IP Counsel - Solutions Group

Avery Dennison • Mentor, OH

12d • $144,900 - $216,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Avery Dennison is seeking an IP Counsel for its Solutions Group digital identification and connected products business in Mentor, Ohio. The Solutions Group provides intelligent labels, including RFID inlays and tags; apparel branding and embellishment solutions; point-of-sale branding; printer/encoder systems; and shelf-edge productivity solutions. Its end markets include retail apparel, food and grocery, logistics, beauty, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and e-commerce.

Reporting to the Sr. IP Counsel, Solutions Group, this role works closely with technology and innovation leadership, R&D, Marketing, and Procurement. It provides hands-on legal support for RFID and intelligent label technologies, digital identification platforms, connected product solutions, antenna engineering, and apparel branding innovations. The work spans global IP strategy, domestic and international IP procurement, enforcement and litigation, due diligence and clearance, business counseling, and transactional support. The position follows a hybrid schedule based in Mentor, Ohio.

Requirements

• Technical degree (B.S., M.S., or Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science or Engineering, or Materials Science & Engineering, paired with a J.D.
• Registration with the USPTO and admission to the Bar in good standing in at least one U.S. state.
• At least 8 years of dedicated patent law experience, including patent drafting and prosecution, Freedom-to-Operate opinions, business counseling, and complex transactional support such as JDAs, licensing, and strategic sourcing agreements.
• Deep technical familiarity with RFID inlays, NFC technology, antenna engineering, digital identification systems, connected product platforms, or software and data platform IP ecosystems such as SaaS and cloud-based analytics.
• Strong business acumen and ability to connect legal strategies to commercial goals, with strong risk management capabilities and a solid grasp of finance and budgeting concepts.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to collaborate across global teams, regional boundaries, and cultural backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of a global IP strategy aligned with growth in intelligent labels, digital identification, connected products, and apparel branding platforms, with a focus on expansion in key international markets.
• Manage global patent procurement from drafting through PCT and foreign filings and prosecution; triage R&D inventions to guide high-value filing decisions; and support offensive and defensive IP strategies, including competitive surveillance and EPO oppositions.
• Conduct patentability, validity, and Freedom-to-Operate analyses to clear product launches and minimize infringement risks; support IP litigation, adversarial proceedings, and dispute resolution with outside counsel and internal business partners.
• Draft, review, and negotiate IP and technology transactions, including Joint Development Agreements, inbound and outbound licensing, strategic vendor contracts, and research collaborations.
• Support IP due diligence and risk assessment for mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and venture investments.
• Serve as an embedded legal partner to R&D, Commercial, Procurement, and Business Development teams.
• Contribute to IP training on best practices, invention disclosures, and trade secret protection.
• Optimize global IP budgets and external legal spend.

Benefits

• LGBTQ+ Inclusive Care Program, a no-cost program to help members find experienced, compassionate LGBTQ+ healthcare providers.
• 401(k) plan with an automatic company contribution of 3% of eligible pay and a matching contribution of 50% on the first 7% of eligible pay contributed.
• Company-paid basic life insurance of twice base annual salary, up to a $50,000 maximum.
• Generous vacation program that varies based on experience and position.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree